Nostalgic Newlyn residents have been reminiscing in their hundreds after noticing an end of an era in their village.

David Barron, the 71-year-old grandson of Joe Barron who set up J Barron and Son’s newsagent in 1920, retired on Sunday, March 26, last year and has been sorely missed by his loyal customers ever since.

The family business had been rooted firmly in the community for almost a century, based in the renowned green hut on the Strand. The vacant hut was demolished on Wednesday (February 7) to clear the area for further development, leading to an outcry of nostalgia and sorrow in the community.

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Pictures of its demise were posted to the Nostalgic Penzance and NewlynFacebook group and soon after hundreds of comments and stories came flooding in – with many saying that they had not seen such a reaction to a post on the group before.

The former home of J Barron and Son’s Newsagents was demolished on Wednesday February 7, 2018 (Image: Rob Crago)

David, who started working at the shop when his father John became ill in 1972, spoke to Cornwall Live recently and recalled his fond memories created in the well-known hut near the fish market.

“I never woke up for work thinking ‘oh dear I have to go down there this morning’, because I knew I was going to see my friends,” said David, who began work at 6am every day.

“They’re not customers to me; they’re friends. I’ve been so lucky to have such loyal and lovely people in my shop over the years. It has been a real pleasure.”

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David himself admitted to us that the green hut was ‘not just a shop’. It was a chance for people to have a catch-up - by coming into pick up their paper they got to meet everyone else and have a laugh.

By March 2017 the ‘local legend’ had noticed many changes in his time, both in regards to Newlyn and the nature of shop-keeping.

Gone were the days of tobacco for fishermen and sweets from the jar, television also put pay to the Barron's book-lending library. But David embraced the change, selling a variety of newspapers and magazines as well as postcards and prints.

David has been keeping busy in retirement - supporting charities and groups including the Fishermen's Mission

"I saw a lot from the hut," he added. "From children growing up, husbands and wives separating, people getting married, moving away and moving back.

"Not just Newlyn people either, when holidaymakers come back we all shout 'hello boy, you back again' and I've even been out for a drink and a meal with some of them. A few have even said it's the highlight of their holiday coming in here."

David also remembered several bad floods and joked that although the water had never actually crept in he was marooned a few times.

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We live in a day where independent shops are under severe pressure and many people do not know the name of the people who serve them at their local store, but David says his family business held up well.

"It's the people of Newlyn who have helped me survive," he told us at the time. "If this shop was in Penzance it would have shut down long ago, it's the comradeship of the customers that I'll miss the most.

"Everyone's at home here, sometimes if I'm busy people come in and serve themselves."

The treasured former home of J Barron and Sons newsagents in Newlyn. Pictured in March, 2017 (Image: Greg Martin)

David made his decision to sell-up following a recent offer on the premises, but insisted that he would still be a vocal part of Newlyn life.

He has kept to his promise and has been very busy with charity work, most notably The Fishermen’s Mission – who he collected for at the Newlyn Fish Festival.

But one thing is for sure, his presence at the centre of Newlyn is greatly missed on paper day.

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David, as ever, has many stories to tell too and is still spinning a good yarn or two about his working life. From paying the taxi fare of a random budgie which randomly turned up in his shop to memories of Newlyn folk lore.

During David’s final week in charge loyal customer, Emmanuel Eddy, told Cornwall Live: "I remember when his grandfather ran the shop. It has not changed at all; it's only the gentleman behind the counter that's changed."

Another said: "This isn't just a shop, it is an institution, he will be sorely missed by all in Newlyn. You see more people in here for a chat and a catch up some mornings than in some pubs."

Loved and respected: Newsagent David Barron had the honour of turning on the 2012 Newlyn Christmas Lights.

It was understood that the shop, where David reckons he sold around 2,340 editions of The Cornishman, would be taken apart and the site expanded upon by harbour owners.

When the pictures were uploaded to the public Facebook page a plethora of similar comments evoked warm memories.

“So deserving of a bit of love is David,” said Moira Swanson. “I’ve never seen a thread with so many lovely comments for a person or a place.

“So many memories for so so many generations of people and nice to see such a positive story for a change.

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“So many comments for such a lovely genuine person, I hope he gets to read just how loved and respected he was. So sad to see that iconic little building go, but I hope David is enjoying his retirement, just such a shame that no one took it over to keep it going.”

Others recollected how they used to pick up their sweets and comics in childhood from David, only to later pick up newspapers and other more practical items when they got older – adding that the owner never changed.

Another person added: “You know, I’d never been in there and never met the chap. But I wish I had, or will.

What are your memories of David Barron's green hut? Be sure to let us know in the comments (Image: Greg Martin)

“I have only ever heard lovely things about him for donkey’s years. From so many people, not one bad word, just loads of compliments and kindness.

“What lovely memories he has left with everyone.”

Others mentioned that however gutting the loss of the business has been in Newlyn they still take delight in seeing David around.

After all, as one other sentimental customer added: “The shop has gone, but David Barron goes on.”